The History of the Library

November-December, 1983: Talks stall over White House’s desire to have a related Reagan public policy center run by the Hoover Institution. University officials expect to run such a center themselves.

February, 1984: Both sides formally announce that the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will be located at Stanford, assuming a site for the complex can be found.

March, 1985: President Reagan gives his approval to a 20-acre library site, clearing the way for selection of an architect and creation of a private foundation for financing.

June, 1985: After lengthy negotiations, Stanford University trustees agree to accept the library and small museum but refuse the Hoover-run policy center. The policy center will now probably be located in nearby Menlo Park.

November-December, 1986: The library plans are challenged by residents, students and others who say the building would be an eyesore. Still, the Santa Clara County Planning Commission gives preliminary approval for construction of the library at Stanford.

April, 1987: Faced with mounting opposition from Stanford faculty leaders and local property owners, Reagan Presidential Foundation trustees announce that the library will be located in Southern California instead.

November, 1987: One hundred acres of donated land in rural eastern Ventura County is selected as the site for the library and public policy research center.

September, 1988: Local environmentalists and Reagan Foundation officials resolve differences that threaten to delay library construction: Library officials agree to protect three rare plant species on the site and the foundation agrees to open the library to the public at 10 a.m. to avoid rush-hour traffic. In late September, the Ventura County Planning Commission unanimously approves plans for the library.

November, 1988: Groundbreaking.

July, 1991: The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approve the Reagans’ request to be buried on the grounds of the library, despite charges by an environmental group that the two-plot cemetery will result in more visitors to the library and more pollution in the county’s air.

November, 1991: Library was dedicated Monday and opened to the public on Wednesday.

Source: L.A. Times News File